Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has affirmed South Korea’s commitment to its alliance with the United States within the context of a new global order, while also highlighting the importance of managing relations with China. In an interview with TIME magazine marking his first 100 days in office, Lee stated, “We will stand together with the U.S. in the new global order, as well as supply chains centered on the U.S., but there is a need for us to manage our relationship with China so as not to antagonize them.”
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee expressed concerns about South Korea potentially becoming the frontline of a conflict between opposing blocs unless diplomatic ties with China are carefully managed. He explained that South Korea’s previous approach of depending on the U.S. for security and China for economic growth is no longer sustainable given the current geopolitical shifts. Lee suggested that South Korea could serve as a “bridge” between the U.S. and China to help stabilize relations amid the evolving power dynamics.
While emphasizing the strengthening of U.S.-South Korea relations, Lee acknowledged challenges such as the recent immigration crackdown on South Korean workers at a Georgia battery plant and the ongoing trade negotiations tied to Seoul’s $350 billion investment pledge. He described the negotiations as challenging, noting that U.S. demands have been stringent.
On the topic of North Korea, Lee proposed a phased denuclearization road map, suggesting that South Korea could consider easing sanctions in exchange for North Korea freezing its nuclear and missile programs. He outlined a three-stage process involving suspension, reduction, and eventual denuclearization. Lee expressed a willingness to engage in negotiations to find “a middle ground,” arguing that reliance solely on sanctions is ineffective.
North Korea, which has been under strict U.N. sanctions since 2017, is believed to have received support from Russia in exchange for military assistance in the Ukraine conflict.